UNIZIK to Honour Kingibe, Achebe, Offor at 13th Convocation Ceremony

David-Chyddy Eleke

Former Chairman of defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) and running mate of late Alhaji MKO Abiola of the SDP in the 1991 presidential election, Ambassador Babagana Kingibe is among the three distinguished Nigerians to be honoured by Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka at its 13th convocation ceremony.

The Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Joseph Ahaneku dislosed while briefing journalists in Awka to announce the commencement of activities for the ceremony.

Among those to be honoured alongside the former AU Special Envoy to Sudan and Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission are the Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe and Chairman of Chrome Oil, Emeka Offor.

While Kingibe will receive honorary Doctorate of Politics and Strategy, Achebe will be honoured as Doctor of Science, while Offor will be awarded Doctor of Entrepreneurship.

Ahaneku said: “These are individuals that have contributed immensely to the development of the economy of Nigeria and the advancement of the society.

“The idea is to bring them in and make them a part of the university and part of our success stories. You all know these men and can bear witness to their standing in the society.”

The vice-chancellor who will be concluding his tenure in the university by June, said being the last convocation ceremony he would preside over, he has put everything in place to ensure that the event turns out colourful.

The activities lined up for the event include a research on May 7, a convocation lecture on May 8, to be delivered by a former Senate President, Ken Nnamani, which would be chaired by former INEC Chairman, Prof Atahiru Jega.

According to Ahaneku, “Nnamani would be speaking on the topic ‘National Integration, Peace and Development’. May 9 will be for the award of first degrees, and May 10 will be for the inauguration of newly completed projects by President Muhammadu Buhari.”